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Compare Linzess vs. Viberzi

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Linzess (linaclotide) and Viberzi (eluxadoline) are both prescription medications used to treat different types of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Linzess is a guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonist that helps with IBS with constipation (IBS-C) by increasing fluid in the intestines to ease bowel movements. On the other hand, Viberzi is an antidiarrheal that targets opioid receptors in the gut to treat IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D). Linzess is taken once daily on an empty stomach, while Viberzi is taken twice daily with food. Linzess can cause diarrhea as a common side effect, whereas Viberzi can lead to constipation and has a risk of pancreatitis, especially in people without a gallbladder or those who drink heavily. Additionally, both medications are only available as brand medications, while Viberzi is a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse.

  • Linzess (linaclotide)
    Viberzi (eluxadoline)
  • Linzess (linaclotide)
    Viberzi (eluxadoline)

  • Summary of Linzess vs. Viberzi

    Summary for GC-C agonist
    Prescription only

    Linzess (linaclotide) is a medication that can help with long-lasting constipation. It's approved for adults with constipation from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other unknown reasons. It's also for children ages 6 to 17 who have functional constipation. Linzess (linaclotide) belongs to a drug class called guanylate cyclase-C agonists. It's a capsule that you take by mouth once a day. Diarrhea is a common side effect. Right now, Linzess (linaclotide) is only available as a brand-name medication. There's no generic version yet.

    Summary for Opioid receptor agonist/antagonist
    Prescription only

    Viberzi (eluxadoline) is a prescription medication used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults. It works on the opioid receptor to help ease symptoms such as stomach pain and diarrhea. You typically take a dose by mouth twice a day with food. Because of its potential for misuse and dependence, it’s considered a controlled substance. Common side effects include constipation, nausea, and stomach pain.

  • Indications of Linzess vs. Viberzi

    Indications for
    •Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adults
    •Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults
    •Functional constipation (FC) in children between 6 and 17 years old
    Indications for
    •Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Linzess vs. Viberzi

    Pros and Const for GC-C agonist
    Pros
    •Only need to take once a day
    •Can start to see improvement as early as a week of taking it every day
    Cons
    •Must take on an empty stomach (30 minutes before a meal)
    •Can cause diarrhea
    Pros and Const for Opioid receptor agonist/antagonist
    Pros
    •Tablet that's taken by mouth
    •Typically works within a week
    •Approved for males and females with IBS-D
    Cons
    •Must be taken twice a day with food
    •Is a controlled substance
    •Risk of pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas

  • Common Side Effects of Linzess vs. Viberzi

    Common Side Effects for

    Adults Note: Side effects reported for IBS-C. Side effects might differ for CIC. <br>

    •Diarrhea (20%)
    •Stomach pain (7%)
    •Having gas (4%)
    •Bloating and feeling full in the belly (2%)

    Children

    •Diarrhea (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Constipation (8%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Stomach pain (7%)

  • Warnings of Linzess vs. Viberzi

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for children younger than 2 years of age because of risk of serious dehydration
    •Severe diarrhea
    Common Side Effects for
    •Pancreatitis
    •Bile duct muscle spasm
    •Allergic reactions
    •Constipation

  • Prices with our coupons for Linzess vs. Viberzi

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